THE BBC have officially confirmed that Giovanni Pernice has QUIT Strictly Come Dancing amid the Amanda Abbington complaint row.
Last month The Sun revealed that the dancer, 33, had told pals he wanted to step away from the dance competition after facing allegations over his tough training methods from previous celebrity partners.
Gio is missing from the list of dancers that will be returning to the dance floor this year.
Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin and Gorka Marquez will star on Strictly 2024.
The likes of Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will also be back on our screens.
The judging panel will remain the same and consist of Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
The dance show will be presented by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Sarah James, Executive Producer said of the upcoming series: “This year Strictly marks two decades of entertaining the nation and we will be back with a bang in September as we celebrate in style with our incredible team both on and off screen.”
Gio has been involved in controversy in recent months when his former dance partner Amanda complained to the BBC about him.
It was later revealed that the Italian dancer was being investigated by the Beeb after at least three of his former celebrity partners made complaints about him.
In May Gio explained to friends he wanted to quit the show.
A source told The Sun: “Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start.
“He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
“He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age.
“He has a lot of other exciting projects in the pipeline right now, and he’s just super-excited to get cracking on them. This, now, is his priority.”
Actress Amanda quit Strictly in 2023 just weeks in after she missed a week due to undisclosed medical reasons.
After it was revealed that they were clashing behind the scenes, a ‘feud’ between the pair was revealed.
The star wasn’t a fan of Gio’s ‘militant’ approach to training for the dance competition.
After she quit, the star complained to the BBC and claimed that the show left her suffering with PTSD.
Amanda, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh have also met up to share stories of what it was like working with him.
Gio has rejected all the claims on social media.
He wrote: “To my dear fans, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.
“No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
“I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be.
“This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.
“Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024:Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.